Student attrition and retention have been familiar terms in higher education for a long time. Recently, however, there has developed an increased awareness of the cost of attrition, both to students and to community colleges. Although research has not provided any solutions to the complex problem of attrition, studies have identified some basic characteristics that appear to be linked with attrition and retention at the community college. Among the student characteristics affecting attrition are academic factors (e.g., student's previous academic attainment), demographic factors, students' motivations and aspirations, and financial considerations. Institutional characteristics influencing attrition include the size and services of the college, student involvement, and institutional policies and procedures. The dominant theme in retention research is that retention and attrition result from the interactions that take place between the student and the institution. Steps to improve these interactions that can apply to virtually any type of institution include: (1) establish an institutionwide retention steering committee; (2) determine dropout rate; (3) conduct a study to determine why students are leaving; (4) conduct an institutional self-study to determine where improvements are necessary and where the institution is successful; and (5) institute a tangible reward system for good teaching and faculty advising. (EJV)